🎿🚆 Weekend escape: 48 hours of skiing without taking time off
Picture this: it's Friday evening, you hop on a budget flight, then switch to a scenic train, and a few hours later, you're in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, at one of the top ski resorts — Geilo. Just 48 hours of free time, no days off work — and an unforgettable experience of the perfect ski weekend is already in your pocket!
This article is your absolute must-read step-by-step guide to organising the perfect weekend escape for busy Europeans. Here you will find flight and train schedules, tips for early check-in, accommodation hacks and the best routes on the slopes of Geilo.
✈️🚞 Why is Geilo the best option for a weekend getaway?
Geilo is located right between Oslo and Bergen, and direct rail connections make the resort extremely convenient for short weekend trips.
🎯 The main advantages of Geilo for a quick weekend getaway:
● Direct train connections from Oslo and Bergen airports.
● 40 trails of varying difficulty, excellent infrastructure.
● Conveniently located hotels near the train station and ski lifts.
🗓️ The Perfect 48-Hour Weekend Itinerary
- 17:00–19:00: Low-cost flight to Oslo-Gardermoen or Bergen-Flesland
- 20:00–23:00: Direct train to Geilo
- 23:00–23:30: Quick hotel check-in via online pre-check
- 08:30: Breakfast & equipment pickup
- 09:00–16:00: Skiing Geilo’s best slopes
- 16:00–18:00: Après-ski, dinner & spa relaxation
- 19:00–21:00: Evening ski or town stroll
- 08:30: Breakfast & pack-up (early checkout)
- 09:00–14:00: Second day on the slopes
- 14:00–15:00: Return gear & quick lunch
- 15:00–18:00: Train back to airport
- 19:00–21:00: Flight home
🚆 Transport Schedule: Oslo/Bergen → Geilo
| Route | Travel Time | Price | Departures (Fri ⇆ Sun) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oslo → Geilo | 3 h 30 m | from 399 NOK | 18:43, 20:43 ⇆ 15:03, 17:03 |
| Bergen → Geilo | 2 h 45 m | from 299 NOK | 19:00, 20:00 ⇆ 15:20, 17:20 |
🏨 Early check-in and accommodation
Best hotels for quick registration (online early check-in):
● Vestlia Resort — right by the slopes, online check-in and evening reception.
● Dr. Holms Hotel — near the station, quick check-in and late check-in.
🎯 Tip:
Let the hotel know in advance if you're arriving late so they can have your key and room ready.
📌 Review from TripAdvisor:
"Vestlia Resort allowed us to check in online and sent us the room access codes in advance, which was perfect for our late arrival."
🎿 Best routes in Geilo for the weekend
🔹 Saturday: comfortable skiing
● Start on the Vestlia slopes, ideal for all levels.
● After lunch, head over to the Geiloheisen area, where you'll find red and black slopes with stunning views.
🔹 Sunday: active finish
● Explore the slopes in the Havsdalen area, which offer picturesque scenery and pleasant skiing conditions for all levels.
🎯 Tip:
Download a map of the slopes in advance (Geilo.no) so you don't waste time looking for the right trails.
💰 Approximate Budget for a Weekend Getaway
| Expense Item | Price (NOK) | |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ | Low-cost flight (return) | from 500 |
| 🚆 | Train Oslo/Bergen → Geilo (return) | 600–800 |
| 🏨 | Accommodation (2 nights) | from 2 500 |
| 🎫 | Ski pass (2 days) | 900 |
| 🎿 | Ski rental (2 days) | 600 |
| 🍽️ | Meals and après-ski | 800–1 200 |
| 💰 | Total | 5 900–6 800 |
🎒 Checklist for the perfect ski weekend getaway
● Book your flight and train tickets in advance.
● Early check-in at the hotel.
● Pre-book ski hire.
● Downloaded map of the slopes (Geilo.no).
● Powerbank and snacks for the journey.
● Minimal luggage to move around as quickly as possible.
📸 Best moments for photos
● Morning slopes with views of the mountains and valley.
● Evening lights of the town of Geilo.
● Scenes from the train on the way to the resort.
With perfectly planned routes and well-organised logistics, you can spend 48 whole hours in the Norwegian mountains without wasting any of your holiday time! Geilo is an absolute gem of a place in Norway, perfect for a quick ski getaway.
💬 Share your experience!
Have you already tried a short ski weekend in Norway? We'd absolutely love to hear all about your experience and any useful tips you have – so please share them in the comments!
We can't wait to feature the best reviews and recommendations from our readers in future articles in our Norway catalogue!
